Experts from Vietnam and other Asian nations took part in an international seminar in the central province of Binh Dinh on May 9 to discuss ways to cope with natural disasters amid climate change impacts in Asian cities. The event was co-held by Rockefeller Foundation, the Institute for Social and Environmental Transition (ISET) and the Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network (ACCCRN). Participants shared experience in responding to climate change and cope with natural disasters such as floods and storms with an aim to seek closer cooperation in the field. Thongchai Roachanakanan from the Thai Interior Ministry cited the historic flood in Thailand in 2011 as a typical example of a devastating damage caused by deforestation, rapid urban development and the emergence of industrial parks in eastern Bangkok City. He said natural disasters have become more complicated and unpredictable in the context of climate change, calling for more specific measures to reduce energy consumption, boost urban green space and tackle the global warming. Vietnam is listed among the five hardest-hit countries by climate change, which cost the country an estimated $15 billion each year, accounting for 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP). International donors have pledged $1.3 billion for climate change adaptation in Vietnam in the 2010-2015 period, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (vietnamplus.vn May 9)
